Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population-based sample of children and adolescents after 3 years of follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents over a 3-year period and to examine factors associated with change.


METHODS
A representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents aged 8-18 years and their parents completed the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire at baseline and again after 3 years. Data were also collected on gender, pubertal development (PD), and family socio-economic status (SES). Change in HRQOL over time was evaluated using effect sizes (ES). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze associations among changes in KIDSCREEN scores, socio-demographic factors, and pubertal development.


RESULTS
Response rate at follow-up was 54% (n = 454). Overall, HRQoL worsened in eight out of the ten KIDSCREEN dimensions, with ES ranging from -0.10 (Moods and Emotions) to -0.34 (Psychological Well-being). The decrease was most marked in the intermediate age group (13-17 years of age at follow-up) and in girls. In the GEE models, pubertal development more strongly impacted changes in girls than in boys.


CONCLUSIONS
In this representative, population-based sample of children and adolescents, moderate decrements in HRQoL were observed after 3 years. Changes were particularly important among girls and in relation to pubertal development. These results could provide useful reference data for other longitudinal studies in population sub-groups.
Palacio-Vieira
J A
JA
Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research, Carrer de Roc Boronat, 81-95 (2a planta), 08005, Barcelona, Spain.
Villalonga-Olives
E
E
Valderas
J M
JM
Espallargues
M
M
Herdman
M
M
Berra
S
S
Alonso
J
J
Rajmil
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires